News Review: LM pioneers new JSF titanium machining process | ADM Nov 2010

A groundbreaking cryogenic titanium machining process planned for use in the production of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter made its public debut at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2010 in Chicago.

The new process brings numerous improvements over existing titanium-machining methods, including increases in cutting-tool life and material-removal rates, which directly reduce costs.

Australian companies and research organisations such as the DMTC and CAST CRC are also exploring new Titanium machining techniques to help local firms become more competitive and secure major JSF manufacturing sub-contracts.

The team of Creare Incorporated, H.M. Dunn Company, and MAG IAS has worked for the past several years on the development of the low-flow cryogenic machining of titanium, funded through Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program awards.

The high performance titanium machining process was designed, developed and tested at Creare, Inc., headquartered in Hanover, N.H.

“This is a prime example of the successful transition of an SBIR-sponsored and funded technology from its developmental stages to a production environment that can enhance affordability for near-term military systems, like the F-35,” Mike Packer, Lockheed Martin vice president of production operations, said.

Creare, a premier engineering research and development firm, has led the technology development. H.M. Dunn of Euless, Texas, a Tier I supplier for the F-35 program, will be the site of performance demonstrations to be completed in late 2010 or early 2011.

MAG IAS, North America’s leading machining and machine tool supplier, headquartered in Hebron, Kentucky, is commercializing the technology.

Other development team members include the US Navy SBIR Program Office and the Joint Strike Fighter Program Office.